Big Wood: A vision for more sustainable skyscrapers

Architect Michael Charters has developed "Big Wood," a model for a large-scale timber skyscraper that could be built along the Chicago River in the city's South Loop. The mixed-use complex, with "acres of green roofs" would "serve as a sustainable alternative to standard building materials," writes Mark Boyer. "Similar to the rapid innovation in building technology that occurred in the early 1900s, 'Big Wood' is positioned to be a catalyst for a new renaissance in high-rise construction, changing forever the shape of our cities," Charters said.